Refinishing Vanishing Vanishing Point Paint

[KBeezie]

It would chip off even with a good primer.

 

Hrm, guess it's just not meant to be 'handled' (that kind of spray that is).

[fljones3]

Where is their repair center located in the US?

 

Pilot Pen Corporation of America

Attn: Namiki Repair

3855 Regent Blvd.

Jacksonville, Florida 32224

[stan]

Strip it down to bare metal or as close as possible.

 

Get aviation model paint. enamel type that is not affected by heat.

Prep the surface as directed by manufacturer of the paint.

Lots of colors including metallics.

 

Using an airbrush carefully paint the pen.

You can 'cure' it with a hair dryer.

This must be as light a coat as possible as you will need to do four or five coats.

Based on manufacturers instructions you may need to rub the dried paint before applying an additional coat. this will help the bond.

 

If using metallics, read instructions for how to obtain different finishes. You can do mirror, if desired.

 

When done with paint, usually a clear coat is required to seal the paint and protect it.

Ask around and you should find some that are literally indestructible.

 

If you have never used an airbrush before practice using water-based paints until you have it down.

This process uses enamel paints that are harder to apply and clean up.

 

If you get got at the application check out the synthetic urushi. Pilot invented it years ago.

I think it can be obtained in Japan. It is applied by spray.

[fljones3]

 

Where is their repair center located in the US?

Further update. I mailed my pen there. After thanking the rep for their promptness and service, she told me that if I wanted a different color that was possible. I gather they will just send me another pen rather than "refinish" the scratched one.

[JemC]

Further update. I mailed my pen there. After thanking the rep for their promptness and service, she told me that if I wanted a different color that was possible. I gather they will just send me another pen rather than "refinish" the scratched one.

I'd love to avail myself of their Matte VP Graveyard and play with some different worn finishes to new effect.

[KBeezie]

Further update. I mailed my pen there. After thanking the rep for their promptness and service, she told me that if I wanted a different color that was possible. I gather they will just send me another pen rather than "refinish" the scratched one.

 

Hrm though if it were me I'd request they send back the original nib unit with it, rather than a whole brand new pen, since I find that sometimes after using a pen for a while, it's a bit "broken in" to your specific writing style. (I'm assuming they'll do just that, but not every company does when replacing).

 

I'd love to avail myself of their Matte VP Graveyard and play with some different worn finishes to new effect.

That does sound attractive in matte grey, especially if any of the materials underneath are silverish in color rather than bright like brass in terms of future wear.

Edited May 8, 2014 by KBeezie

[Komitadjie]

I got thinking about it again today, and it occurred to me that soda blasting would be the PERFECT method to remove the remaining finish. It removes paints and coatings, WON'T remove brass, won't harm plastics, and the soda dissolves in water for easy cleaning once you're done abrading.

[Orthostylos]

I have a circa 1994 faceted stealth VP, and the "clicker" paint has been wearing off to the brass metal. I once tried to color it with a black marker, but this lasted just months.

 

This is my favorite pen, and on reflection, I have decided to leave the condition as it is, a patina of "war wounds", and reminiscent of its use and favor.

[webrowser]

Hi! I had a query. I have recently gotten hold of a matte black VP. Reading all this is making me nervous. Thinking of getting a leather carry case. But then worried the friction might damage it. As a solution I'm thinking of applying some kind of varnish over the paint. Has anyone looked into it? Applying some kind of protective coating to preserve it? I love the little Pilot Japan logo and would hate to have to spray paint over it later on. Will applying clear varnish work?